At a Glance
- Nicolás Maduro was captured during a surprise military raid in Caracas and is now held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
- He faces U.S. federal charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses.
- The U.N. Security Council will convene an emergency meeting after U.S. actions.
- Why it matters: The case signals a new U.S. approach to Venezuelan politics and could reshape international norms.
Maduro was seized in Caracas and transported to the United States, where he has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since Saturday night. He is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan federal court on Monday and faces serious federal charges. The move has prompted reactions from U.S., Venezuelan, and U.N. officials.
U.S. Detention and Legal Proceedings
Maduro arrived in the U.S. Saturday night and has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center since. He is charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses. His first court appearance is set for Monday noon in a lower Manhattan courtroom.
International Reactions
President Donald Trump announced the raid and claimed the U.S. had captured Maduro and his wife.
> “We carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela early on Saturday and captured the country’s president Nicolás Maduro and his wife.”
President Donald Trump
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela and that the United States’ actions constitute a dangerous precedent.
> “I am deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, and the United States’ actions constitute a dangerous precedent.”
Antonio Guterres
In a video, Edmundo González, whom the U.S. and other governments recognize as the winner of the 2024 Venezuelan election, referred to himself as “president” and asked the army to recognize him as commander in chief.
> “I am president of the country.”
Edmundo González
Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, the country’s vice president under Maduro, appears to currently be leading the country.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Saturday night | Maduro arrives in U.S., detained |
| Monday | Court appearance scheduled |
Key Takeaways
- Maduro faces serious U.S. federal charges.
- The U.N. and Venezuelan leaders have reacted strongly.
- The case may influence future diplomatic dynamics.
The case underscores the U.S.’s expanding role in Venezuelan affairs and has drawn sharp international criticism. How the legal proceedings unfold will likely influence future diplomatic dynamics.
